A Year High Gear in

JBHS tennis and volleyball teams show their talents.

When Danielle Tawil and Dave Suskin were hired this year to coach girls and boys varsity tennis, respectively, they probably didn’t know the level of talent they were inheriting. But even if you get the keys to a luxury car, you still have to drive it correctly.

They have done just that. Coach Danielle’s team has roared through the regular season of the Yeshiva League, winning all six matches convincingly and setting themselves up as the #1 seed in the Eastern half of the league. Dave’s team is 4-0 and with two matches to go at press time, can equal that performance by closing out the regular season.

“The girls have been terrific,” said Coach Danielle, who also teaches at Flatbush. “I’d like to think that we’ve helped them get better, even by a little bit, but Arielle (Kamin, assistant coach) and I understood we started with a good bunch. The energy and excitement they brought to the court match after match wais unparalleled.”

“I’ve been really impressed with the way the team has competed so far,” said Suskin. “The performances from our returning players and energy from the younger ones have been excellent, with the full depth of the team on display.”

“Both coaches have done exceptional jobs,” said Barry Neuberger, Director of Athletics. “It’s not easy understanding the talent you have and still helping them improve, but they’ve done it exactly right.’

When a flood destroyed the Laniado Gym floor in December, it wiped out any opportunity for Boys Varsity Volleyball tryouts, practices and home matches. An arrangement with Kingsborough Community College gave the Falcons a home nest, temporarily, the team was coming home.

“We are grateful for our friends at Kingsborough who’ve helped us when we faced a dire situation”, said Mr. Neuberger. “Everybody has been motivating each other,” explained Coach Charles Harary. “Their competitive spirit has been creating a culture of positivity despite not having a home court.”

“Because we were together so often for practice and tryouts, it showed the commitment of the players on the team and strengthened our bond,” said senior Eli Mizrahi.

Senior Ezra Kababieh added, “Although not having a home gym was a disadvantage, it actually helped us succeed in a different way. The brotherhood we formed with one another through all we’ve experienced made us stronger.”